The Wilmingtonian., 1887-02-26
The Waring Ordinance.

ed in the ordinance have mad fair opportuni-
ty of ventilation. Its endorsers have aired
themselves in public print pretty thorough
ly and every opportunity has been afforded
those gentlemen to impress their arguments
upon the public. But now the citizens OF
Wilmington say mo- to any such ordinance
as the one referred to.
The reason for this unanimous opposition,
as far as the general public go, seems to be
based upon the argument that the cost is far
in excess Of anything that this community
can Tear. Which is all true enough In it.
self. Property owners .are already too far
stepped in tax debts to bear any further bur-
then. The Waring- -Cummins ordinance
would be hardly other than practical con-
fiscation of all the smaller homes in Will
mington. But then 1t ia argued, we under
stand, that the ordinance should receive con-
sderatiun upon the grounds of expediency.
When such an argument is put forward, es-
pc cially by Intelligent gentlemen, as those
who have 1t in hand, it is only matter OF
common courtesy to listen to the points put
forward.
Upon the grounds OF expediency it is
claimed that comprehensive system OF
srterial sewerage is demanded. 1t Is claimed
that sanitary requirements call for the es-
tablishment Of sewerage system in Will
mington such as that referred to.
Now, independent of the argument of f.
nancial objection to the Wariug. .Cummins
ordinance, which of itself is entirely sufi-
cient to make 1t nugstory, 1t is here straight
ly aud definitely asserted that the expedien-
o. argument is an unworthy one. The sxi-
gency does not exist. In reality the advo-
Gates of it, whether intentionally Or not are
making use of the modern theory very spe-
cious and plausible in itself but one not al
ways of universal application.
Wilmington calls for no such an undertak-
ing or expenditure at the present status Of
its growth. The assertion on the contrary
is that Its situation, the natural lie Of the
land thoroughly answers ali existing sani-
tary requirements.
Let us examine the topography Of the land
within the city limits, not excluding either
the suburban region which in the course OF
time will probably become incorporated
within municipal boundaries.
The greater part of the built-up portion
of our city, in actual fact 80 per cent Of it Ia
situate upon number of hills varying in at
titude. Those who examine more closely
however will perceive that line of culmina-
ting points forms ridge along the northern
part Of the city. This is the highest part OF
Wilmington and forms, in general terms its
watershed. This eliminating ridge runs
parallel with the Brandywino In fact 1t may
be considered the southern ridge Of that
creeks valley or gorge. The line Of Della
wore Avenue runs conterminous to s. great
degree with 1t. Being the highest land in
the city it must necessarily be the watershed
also. And this in fact it is. For whenever
there is any marked rainstorm the demon
stration of the assertion is plainly visible to
all. From that ridge the water comes pour
| ing down In mimic t0rrants towards the
Christiana river. 1t is true that between
the ridge and the Christians there are some
hills. But then they are of insufficient slti,
tude to break the general direct flow into
the Christiana. In a general Typographical
sense then it may be safely asserted tina,
Wilmington has a thorough and efficient
natural drainage. It should be added thai
few cities are bless with suoh fortunate
natural conaguration. From this northern
ridge the descent is so gradual and regular
resembling stairs or a graduation OF steps
and so unimpeded that in few hours aftei
a heavy shower the streets are SO clean anC
dry that strangers would easily enough sup
pose some effective mechanical apparatu
had been in use to clean up the streets
But nature has done it all. More quietly
more efficiently and more thoroughly thai
the finest or most expensive machinery in
vented by man could accomplish. OF cours
all the region north Of the gorge, and all tn
territory above the ridge, referred to, inclu
ding Forty Acres is not included in the drain
age from the eliminating ridge referred tC
But the general fact remains that the city
including ninety per cent Gifts built-up pol
tion in other words its greatest area with q
that part OF 1t including manufactures, milli
, foundries, stores aud residences is include
in the watershed which immediatly send
all surface water by accelerated grsvit
} down toward the Christiana afording tt
: city quick and thorough surface cleansing
Now in regard to that portion north of tt
. eliminating lidge and which is drained t.
. ward the Brandywine 1t may be quickly sal
' that it is Of so little relative extent th
s an agricultural sewer running parall
: with the Brandywine and to find ita sm
Q tying at sufficient distance below the Ci
s Mill Is all that Wilmington now needs